Keep a home inventory and a reference book. A thorough and well-organized vacation home reference binder is worth its weight in gold! Avoid mishaps by clearly recording all inventory in a master list, and provide visitors with ample instructions on everything from garbage pickup and how to work the remote control to emergency numbers and a map to the nearest grocery store. If guests are welcome to use up the contents of your pantry, bar and fridge, make that clear. Likewise, anything that is off-limits should be spelled out.